Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION

9 Jan 2026

“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
Proverbs‬ ‭6‬:‭32‬ ‭

Adultery is not merely the betrayal of a spouse; it is a self-inflicted wound that corrodes the sinner’s own soul and life.

The recent news of Rev. Philip Yancey’s fall from grace, reported on January 6, 2026, sent shockwaves through the global Christian community. After 55 years of marriage, his admission of an eight-year affair is a sobering reminder that even those who have devoted their lives to teaching grace and faithfulness remain vulnerable to human frailty and sin. His story reminds us that no one is immune to temptation, regardless of past devotion or spiritual maturity.

Adultery destroys not only the betrayed but also the betrayer, eroding the very foundations of spiritual and moral integrity. Yet, Christian theology does not leave us in despair. It proclaims the hope of repentance, confession, and restoration through God’s unfailing grace. Yancey’s humility in acknowledging his failure and seeking healing reflects this paradox of judgment and mercy : sin is never excused, but grace is never withheld.

Proverbs 6:32 is a call to vigilance in guarding our hearts, a summons to accountability in our relationships, and a testimony to the redeeming power of God’s mercy. Even in the deepest wounds of human failure, the God’s Word declares that restoration is possible through divine grace.

“Infidelity leaves a trail of shattered dreams and broken promises."